Barcelona and Spain winger Lamine Yamal has said his desire to play football is driven by his love for the game rather than money, goals or assists.
Yamal explained that he does not want to become overly focused on his individual statistics, saying the real enjoyment comes from being creative and helping his teammates.
“I don’t play football for money, I play because I like it,” Yamal said.
“Players who are obsessed with goals or assists do not enjoy. I play for fun, to dribble, to play one touch, two, to make a teammate who has not scored, score, for happiness,” he added.
The teenager also spoke about his interaction with Lionel Messi, explaining that he approached the Argentine simply to express his gratitude for everything he has contributed to football.
“I went to Leo Messi and said: thank you,” Yamal said.
“I just thanked him a lot for everything he has done and how he’s the best. I’ve always believed he is the best,” he added.
Yamal explained that the moment was not arranged for publicity and happened naturally after he spotted Messi.
“I always try to distance myself a little from things that seem beautiful for show. The moment came from within. I saw him there, so I went to thank him for what he did for football, it came spontaneously,” he said.
